New-look Miller Field to Open Friday

Grace College’s men’s and women’s soccer team are pleased to roll back the curtain this week on their new soccer stadium.

The soccer stadium at Miller Athletic Complex has undergone a summer-long facelift, installing lights, bleachers, press box, scoreboard and new team dugouts.

The official opening of the stadium is Friday, Aug. 15, for a Lancer soccer doubleheader. The men’s team will host FC Indiana at 7 p.m., and the women will play Haiti’s Women’s National Team in an international friendly at 9 p.m.

“It has been a very exciting summer watching the entire project come together,” said Grace athletic director Chad Briscoe. “We’re thrilled for the campus and the community to enjoy these historic games on Friday night. I’ve been very impressed by all the moving parts to have the project come together, and I greatly appreciate all those who have played a part to see it completed.”

Gates on Friday will open at 5 p.m. A tailgate will be available for fans before the game with a $7 dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. The Grace student chapel band will have live music during the pregame festivities. An official opening of the field ceremony will take place prior to the men’s game’s kickoff.

“This is a historic moment for Grace Athletics, and we couldn’t be more excited about Friday night,” said Grace president Dr. Bill Katip. “This will have a tremendous impact on our campus for our student body and ultimately for the community. These games will be talked about for many years to come, and we look forward to everyone coming to celebrate with us.”

Lights at the Miller Athletic Complex will allow Grace to play its home games at night for the first time. Additionally, the press box will enable the home matches to be video streamed live for fans.

The men’s soccer team, under coach Matt Hotchkin, ranks sixth among current NAIA programs with 441 all-time victories. The women’s soccer team, under coach Michael Voss, has advanced to three consecutive NCCAA National Championships.